Thrifty couple builds self-reliant, $60K homestead & workshop
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Published 2020-08-15
While they did spend for the new 23 solar panels that run the three buildings, they bought all six of their 500- to 700-gallon rainwater barrels for a few hundred dollars each instead of the 1,000 they cost new.
When Eugene first arrived on the property, as a caretaker for the main landowner, he pitched a tent as his home, but he still spent nights in Austin (often at his mom's home). Slowly he began to build. First, he erected a porch for his tent. Later he added a one-room shelter with an open-air kitchen.
When his now-wife Marlena joined him in 2016, they began building a more permanent setup. They added shutters to the kitchen so it could be closed off in winter, but open in summer (they rely mostly on DC fans for AC). Their bathroom includes a recycled bathtub and a stone-floor shower.
To accommodate overnight guests for their wedding, they built an off-grid cabin (with gas fridge) in just two months with mostly recycled materials for just $12,000. It now provides income as an overnight rental.
To avoid trips to town, they grow their own food in raised beds and raise chickens in a recycled coop (they plan to add goats and bees). They are now able to go two weeks without leaving the homestead for provisions.
Their latest addition is a modern barn that serves as both a workshop for Eugene’s tools and for Marlena’s jewelry business. It was built to convert into an event space to rent for added income.
Marlena’s music: www.marlenajarjoura.com/
Off-grid rental cabin: www.airbnb.com/rooms/33532013?s=67
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/thrifty-couple-builds-sel…
All Comments (21)
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It’s so amazing how when he started he couldn’t build a deck, but by the end of this video he had built a MASSIVE building, 🥰.
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I really appreciate how she lets the people tell their story. I always feel like I'm watching a documentary film.
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20:22 "I'm often impressed with my self when something works" I can totally relate with that! Love their humbleness and the ability to realize the value of making something imperfect and learning from it.
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This couple is amazing, they seem much more happier than regular people, It’s about living a life you want and not keeping up with the jones
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“ it sometimes doesnt feel like I did it, it feels like it happened” as an artist i can relate to this sense of being the least part of a creative process.
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ANOTHER honest and pallettable video from Kirsten! No filler, no corny host in a tight suit & white sneakers, no over-use of the word "entertain." Refreshing!
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How to build a deck? "Thing, thing, and you put a thing." "No, no, you gotta have way more things!" "And so that's how I learned to build a deck." I can't stop chuckling. I sooo love those 9' doors, they are so elegant and airy, with all the other windows. All the inventive 'features', the found pieces of the puzzle like the tiles and the wood, There is nothing more comfortable than a clawfoot tub. I used to read in mine, running more warm water in as needed with my toes (back when we didn't know water was a luxury). This is so inspiring, the constant learning while doing, the dreaming and inventing, and the love poured into it glows like Austin at night. So happy to share it, thank you.
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I might not interested in the interior design of this house. But I like how the owner's hard work and the process of how he learned things & make it happened, also how he tried to fulfill the functionality of those places by using reclaimed materials. Great job!
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He did it all himself with help from YouTube he said. Gotta love innovative people. Two very interesting likable people. I would like a follow up on them after they start holding yoga events, weddings, etc. An air BnB tiny house is next I bet.
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It's amazing how they built up their skill set and confidence by just going at it. Definitely inspiring!
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I love how the place just came together based on their needs & what they could get their hands on. As an artist I can totally relate to that feeling of "Sometimes it doesn't feel like I did it, it feels like it just happened."
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I really admire this couple for doing this. It takes a lot of courage to step out and do something like this and the result is awesome,
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We started with a 10' x 12' shed ten years ago. The 'Great Recession' closed the company I worked for, and my son and I built our little house ourselves. while living in that little shed. It's been 10 years and our daughter grew up here on our homestead. I clicked on the video because I saw the roof top deck. I just built an addition that will soon have one of those on top of it. It will take us a bit longer because we have the "enormous amounts of work" you spoke of 😉 Like you folks, we will never be done building! 😊
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That's so cool how each part of their house has it's own story.
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I loved this! Wish I could do this! I'm disabled, but at least I can live vicariously through you! 😍👍
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Amazing build 😀 I think it’s great how he tells Kirsten his mistakes he made through it all... Nothing worse than big head who sailed through their builds with no errors!
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What an adorable couple. I love their go for it ideas and willingness to just do what they needed!
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Your great skill is letting them tell the story and not getting in the way. You guys just keep getting better and better. Think about a feature length doc about the history of Curitiba, Brazil. It's a story the world needs to know. Talk with Jamie Learner. Best, Michel Pariseau
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Always look forward to your videos!
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As always, when I watch one of your documentary videos, I feel as though I have been on a journey and met the people. They (your films) are so strong. I join with others in appreciating the use of silence and nature ... and the voices of the people you're filming (as well as your own family's voices!). So many times I simply cannot get through a video because of the sound and the level of irritation it produces in me. We are bombarded by sound. Thank you so much for your artistry.
